Watch Consultancy
About Watch Consultancy
Founded by Thomas Watts, TAW Consultancy is the professional arm of the highly respected Watts On Watches brand offering specialist horological expertise to auction houses, jewellers, vintage organisations, production companies, and the creative industries.
With over a decade of hands-on experience in the watch industry, we have developed a deep understanding of both modern and vintage wristwatches.
My career began at the age of 16, and since then I’ve worked across all levels of the market, from sourcing and selling to authenticating, valuing, and advising on six-figure vintage timepieces.
In 2021, we launched Watts On Watches, now one of the UK’s leading destinations for vintage and luxury watches. Built on the principles of trust, enthusiasm, and expertise, it quickly became a favourite among collectors and first-time buyers alike. TAW Consultancy was created as a natural extension of that mission, to share our knowledge with professionals who need a reliable, experienced voice in a niche, complex market.
Whether it’s helping an auction house catalogue a consignment, guiding a fashion team on period styling, or uncovering hidden value in a bulk estate clearance, our work is grounded in accuracy, discretion, and a passion for detail.
"I built Watts On Watches to be the kind of company I dreamed about as a young collector, one built on passion, trust, and true expertise. TAW Consultancy is how I share that vision beyond the collector world and into the professional space."
— Thomas Watts, Founder
What Do We Do?
At TAW Consultancy, we provide specialist watch expertise to auction houses, jewellers, estate organisations, and creative industries. From authenticating and valuing vintage wristwatches to advising on period-correct pieces for film, TV, and fashion, we offer professional, detail-driven support where accuracy and trust are essential. Whether assessing a single item or a bulk consignment, curating a collection, or enhancing a catalogue, our services are built on over a decade of hands-on industry experience. We work flexibly on-site or remotely and tailor each consultation to your specific needs.
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I offer a bespoke consultancy service tailored specifically to the needs of auction houses, from independent regional auctioneers to established names in the UK and beyond.
Watches are often among the most valuable and misunderstood items in an estate or private collection. My goal is to enhance accuracy, maximise final sale values, and ensure that each piece is presented and positioned to attract serious bidders — whether in a local sale or a high-profile catalogue.
Authentication & Verification
Detailed inspections to confirm authenticity
Identification of replacement parts, refinished dials, or incorrect movements
Detection of re-cased or franken-watches
Verification of limited editions, reference numbers, and provenance claims
Valuation & Reserve Setting
Accurate, market-aware appraisals for pre-sale estimation
Guidance on reserve prices that align with both seller expectations and current trends
Advice on best timing and platforms for sale based on demand cycles.
Catalogue & Lot Description Support
Professionally written watch descriptions for catalogues and online listings
Inclusion of historical, brand, and technical context to elevate interest and buyer trust
Photography direction for showcasing key features (case condition, movement, dial details)
On-Site & Remote Support
Flexible consultation available in person, via video, or through secure shipping of items
Discreet service to support private collections, large estates, or high-value consignments
Partnership with your in-house team or available as an independent external expert
Staff Training & Onboarding
In-house training sessions for auction staff to improve watch identification skills
Guidance on red flags, brand hallmarks, and basics of condition grading
Onboarding advice for auction houses looking to expand into the watch category
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I work with vintage and estate-focused organisations that regularly handle bulk consignments, house clearances, or mixed collections — helping them identify, assess, and extract value from vintage wristwatches that may otherwise be overlooked or under appreciated.
Watches often go unnoticed among jewellery, bric-a-brac, or fashion items — yet a single piece can significantly impact the overall value of a consignment. My consultancy ensures your business never misses a high-value opportunity again.
Bulk Lot Assessment & Sorting
Hands-on sorting of mixed watch consignments
Identification of pieces with hidden or overlooked value
Brand recognition and rapid organisation: Rolex, Omega, Longines, Heuer, Seiko, etc.
Flagging of serviceable, scrap, or counterfeit items
Valuation & Disposal Guidance
Fair-market appraisals based on condition, age, and brand
Advice on whether to resell, recycle, repair, or consign to auction
Transparent reporting for you and your clients, helping you make informed decisions
Connections to vetted resale platforms or watch dealers where appropriate
Staff Training & Development
Education sessions for your team on how to identify valuable watches
Visual guides and red flag indicators for daily use
Confidence-building for frontline staff who triage incoming items
Flexible Support
One-off consultations or ongoing monthly retainers
Remote photo-based evaluations or in-person sorting available
Scalable services for growing operations
Why It Matters
Watches are increasingly valuable, but the true worth often lies in the detail — a rare dial variant, a small brand with cult following, or a mechanical movement hiding behind a modest case. I bring a trained eye and a decade of professional experience to help your team find these hidden gems. -
Film & Television Consultancy & Watch Supply
I work closely with production companies, prop departments, and costume designers to supply period-correct vintage wristwatches for film and television — ensuring every timepiece reflects the era, status, and personality of the character wearing it.
Whether the scene calls for a 1940s military-issued chronograph or a 1980s Wall Street gold Rolex, I provide historically accurate and visually compelling timepieces to support your production’s authenticity and detail.
Era-Accurate Sourcing
Handpicked vintage watches aligned with the decade, cultural setting, and character type
Expertise in British, Swiss, and global watch trends from the 1920s through to early 2000s
Access to a curated collection of loanable vintage watches
Character-Specific Styling
Consultancy on watch choices that reflect personality traits, profession, wealth, and taste
Options for hero pieces, background props, or recurring character continuity
Advice on how to wear, frame, and feature the watch on-screen for realism
Flexible Loan Options
Short-term and extended loan periods available
Fully insured watch supply with delivery and collection options
Contracts tailored to production budgets and timelines
On-Set Support (Optional)
On-location advisory for dressing scenes and handling high-value pieces
Ensuring timepieces are worn accurately (era-correct wrists, straps, and fits)
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I collaborate with stylists, creative directors, and production teams to provide watches for fashion editorials, commercial shoots, and brand campaigns. A well-chosen watch adds narrative, texture, and timeless appeal to any look — from minimalist chic to bold retro.
Style-Led Watch Curation
Sourcing watches that complement garments, colour palettes, and shoot themes
Pieces that evoke elegance, rebellion, nostalgia, or statement luxury
Suitable for high fashion, lifestyle, vintage, and contemporary aesthetics
Watch Loans for Shoots
Flexible access to a curated collection of watches
Short-term or multi-day loan agreements
Fully insured and packaged for secure delivery and return
Creative Collaboration
Consultancy on matching watches to styling mood boards or art direction
Watch pairing for editorial features, lookbooks, or campaign storytelling
Input from concept development to final execution
Why It Matters
In both screen and print, the smallest detail tells the biggest story. A watch isn’t just an accessory — it’s a signal of identity, era, and intent. My consultancy ensures the watches you feature enhance your creative vision and elevate your final result.